If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember how simple life felt enjoying colorful shaved ice at a street stall, playing arcade games with a handful of coins, and hunting down cassette tapes of your favorite band. The good news? Those memories are still alive in Cirebon, and yes you can relive them.
Cirebon may be famous for its seafood and mega mendung batik, but there's another side to the city: a nostalgic vibe that’s just waiting to be rediscovered. Hidden in the alleys and corners are places and flavors that will have you saying, “Wow, this was my childhood!“ Let’s take a tour through some of the spots that bring the 90s back to life.
1. Es Duren Pak Roni – A Sweet Taste of the Past
If you love dessert, Es Duren Pak Roni is a must-visit. Established in the early 1990s, this humble stall serves durian ice the way it’s always been: rich, creamy, and perfectly nostalgic. Served in a classic plastic bowl with floral prints, one spoonful instantly brings back memories of lazy Sunday afternoons after flying kites.
To top it off, the soft crackle of 90s hits playing from an old radio in the corner adds a soundtrack to your trip down memory lane.
Jl. Veteran, Kebonbaru, Kejaksan, Cirebon
2. Mr. Games Play Games Center – The Retro Arcade That Still Lives On
Along Jalan Siliwangi, there's a little gem for 90s kids: Game Center Champion. While most arcades have closed down, this one survives complete with vintage machines like Street Fighter II, Metal Slug, and Time Crisis.
Owner Pak Mulyadi says, “Kids today play PS5, but those who come here are usually looking to reconnect with their childhood.“ The sound of clicking buttons and nostalgic game music gives the place an almost magical sense of familiarity.
Jl. Karanggetas No.64, Pekalangan, Pekalipan, Cirebon
3. Warung Wardja – Retro-Style Wedangan for Soulful Conversations
Looking for a quiet spot to sip tea and reminisce about simpler times? Warung Wardja, tucked away on Ir. Soekarno Street, is your perfect match. Inspired by Javanese wedangan stalls with a 90s Cirebon twist, it serves classics like tahu petis, fried bananas, and warm ginger tea in old-school tin cups.
The interior is a visual feast: retro band posters, glass jars of chewy bubble gum, and weathered wooden chairs you won’t want to leave. Here’s the kicker you can even try cassette demos on an old walkman. It’s like stepping into your middle school bedroom.
Jl. Ir. Soekarno No.7, Kecomberan, Talun, Cirebon Regency
4. Mie Get Noodles – 90s Comfort Food Done Right
If you're hungry for both food and memories, head to Mie Get, a no-frills noodle shop in Pekiringan that's been serving the same comforting flavors since 1992. Long wooden tables, squeaky ceiling fans, and the mouthwatering aroma of chicken broth make you feel like you’re waiting for your mom to pick you up after school.
The noodles are springy, the chicken sweet and savory, and the sambal? Guaranteed to wake you up! Many customers who once came here as kids now bring their own children along proof that good taste really is timeless.
Jl. Perjuangan Gg. Kampus, Karyamulya, Kesambi, Cirebon
5. Trivia: Rajawali Cinema – The Echo of a Bygone Big Screen Era
Although it closed in the early 2000s, Rajawali Cinema holds a special place in the hearts of Cirebon locals. In its heyday, it was the go-to place for catching the latest hits everything from Warkop DKI to Titanic once lit up its screens.
These days, the building is used as a storage facility, but the old cinema sign and ticket booth still stand an irresistible photo spot for those who remember using their lunch money just to see a movie.
Cirebon: A City That Keeps the Past Alive
Cirebon isn't just a city of growth it's a place where memories are preserved with care. From legendary street food to old-school entertainment, the past is alive and well here, waiting for you to revisit.
Sometimes you don’t need a time machine to revisit your childhood. Just explore the vintage corners of Cirebon, and let the scent of noodles, the sound of cassettes, or the glow of an arcade game take you back to a simpler time.
So, when was the last time you truly felt nostalgic?